Trevor Story has a ‘real strong chance’ to return in ’24

The Red Sox could have some reinforcements on the way for the final stretch of the 2024 season. 

With Boston currently 3.5 games out of a Wild-Card spot in the American League, the Red Sox’ lineup could be in line for a boost with the potential return of infielder Trevor Story, who has not appeared in a game since April 5. 

The 31-year-old Story underwent shoulder surgery just weeks into the new season to repair a fracture of the glenoid rim. Boston tabbed a six-month recovery timeline for the veteran at the time. 

While initial projections had Story as a lost cause for the remainder of the 2024 season, Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow offered up a positive update on WEEI Thursday morning. 

“He continues to make a ton of progress and just being around him in the clubhouse, there’s a different attitude that he’s taking every day,” Breslow said during an appearance on WEEI’s “The Greg Hill Show”. “He’s excited to go in and field. Liam (Hendriks) is on track to return sooner, but there’s a real strong chance that Trevor is putting on a Red Sox uniform and helping us at some point.”

Story first expressed optimism around a return this season back in July after acknowledging that he was ahead of schedule in his rehab. 

“We’re having conversations about it now,” Story said when asked about the possibility of playing again this season, according to The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier. “It’s too early to say if that’s gonna happen or not, but always in my mind, it’s something that obviously if there’s a chance to play in the playoffs, this is why I came to Boston.

“So I think we’re being very diligent about the process, we’re being respectful, and we’re not doing anything that my body’s not saying yes to. It’s too early to tell, but obviously, it would be amazing if I can.”

Story injured his shoulder during his eighth game this season, dislocating his left shoulder and suffering a fracture after diving toward a ground ball during Boston’s road game against the Angels on April 5. 

Story has only logged 31 at-bats this season, batting .226 with three doubles and four RBI. 

Story’s tenure with Boston has largely been marred by injury since the slugging infielder signed a six-year, $140 million contract with the Red Sox just before the start of the 2022 season. 

In his first season with Boston, Story was limited to 94 games due to several injuries before going under the knife to repair the UCL in his throwing elbow in January 2023. He eventually returned during the 2023 season, but did not make his debut until August — ultimately playing in just 43 games.

In total, Story has only appeared in 145 games with Boston over three seasons, slashing .227/.288/.394 with 19 home runs and 84 RBI. 

Still, the Red Sox will welcome the potential returns of both Story and Hendriks, who is rehabbing in Triple-A Worcester and working his way back from Tommy John surgery. Hendriks could give Boston another valuable late-inning arm, while Story could add some much-needed pop from the right side of the plate while also providing plus defense at shortstop and second base.